countyscore
52
County Score
Income & Jobs 99.5Health 96.3Schools 93.7

County Report Card

About Morris County, New Jersey

A High-Performing National Standout

Morris County achieves a composite score of 52.0, exceeding the national median of 50.0. This indicates a quality of life that is superior to the majority of counties across the country.

Leading the New Jersey Leaderboard

With a 52.0 score, Morris sits significantly higher than the state average of 41.4. It is a high-achieving county that serves as a benchmark for health and economic success in the region.

Superior Wealth and Public Health

The county earns a near-perfect income score of 99.5, supported by a $134,929 median household income. Health (96.3) and school (93.7) scores are also among the highest in the nation.

Extreme Housing Costs

The cost score of 1.4 is its lowest metric, with median rents at $1,860 and high home values. Despite its wealth, the 1.796% effective tax rate contributes to a tax score of only 5.1.

Ideal for Corporate Professionals

Morris is best for those in high-earning corporate or professional roles who prioritize elite schools and health outcomes. It offers a top-tier suburban experience for those with significant financial resources.

204060801005.11.470.896.393.799.57.145.157.6Tax5.1Cost1.4Safety70.8Health96.3Schools93.7Income99.5Risk7.1Water45.1Weather57.652/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Morris County DNA

Foverall

How Morris County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Morris County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (99.5/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (5.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
5.1-46.9
Cost
1.4-46.6
Safety
70.8+15.799999999999997
Health
96.3+46.3
Schools
93.7+39.7
Income
99.5+48.5
Risk
7.1-39.9
Water
45.1-12.899999999999999
Weather
57.6
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$557,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,860/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$557,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$74,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $134,929/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

40.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Passaic County
New Jersey
28.9
Union County
New Jersey
35.3
Essex County
New Jersey
33.3
Somerset County
New Jersey
51.4
Sussex County
New Jersey
53.5
Bergen County
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48
Hudson County
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33.6
Warren County
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48.8

Deep Dives

Morris County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Morris County

via TaxByCounty

Morris taxes rank in bottom quarter

Morris County's 1.796% effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 2.11%, placing it in the bottom 25% of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $10,001 reflects New Jersey's high home values, with the typical Morris property worth $557,000.

Morris ranks second-lowest in Jersey

Morris County's 1.796% effective tax rate is the second-lowest in New Jersey, trailing only Monmouth County's 1.765% and well below the state average of 2.211%. This favorable position makes Morris an attractive option for tax-conscious homeowners.

Morris beats most neighbors, not Monmouth

Morris's 1.796% rate undercuts Hudson (1.851%), Hunterdon (2.005%), and Mercer (2.508%), but falls just short of Monmouth's 1.765%. In this affluent county cluster, Morris offers the second-best tax deal.

A $557K home costs $10,001 yearly

The median Morris County home is valued at $557,000, the second-highest in this region, generating approximately $10,001 in annual property taxes. This consistent bill reflects both a low rate and premium property values.

Morris homeowners should verify assessments

Even with Morris's competitive tax rate, assessment errors happen—roughly 15-20% of Jersey homes are overvalued on tax rolls. Homeowners can file a formal appeal with the county assessor if they believe their property is assessed above its true market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Morris County

via CostByCounty

Morris County earners manage premium rents

Morris County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio—New Jersey's second-best—reflects a median household income of $134,929 paired with a median rent of $1,860. This highest median income in the analysis absorbs above-state-average rents, positioning Morris as a premier county for affluent renters.

Morris ranks second in Jersey affordability

At 16.5%, Morris's rent-to-income ratio trails only Hunterdon (14.7%) among New Jersey counties, well below the state average of 19.1%. With the state's highest median income at $134,929, Morris residents face the lightest housing burden relative to earnings.

Highest income, manageable rents

Morris's median income of $134,929 leads all counties analyzed, exceeding Hunterdon by nearly $5,500, while its $1,860 median rent ranks among the state's highest. For high earners, Morris's expensive rents feel effortless thanks to superior paychecks.

Wealth makes premium housing affordable

Renters pay $1,860 monthly while homeowners face $2,573—the state's highest owner costs—yet the median household income of $134,929 absorbs both comfortably. Housing costs claim just 16.5% of Morris income, leaving significant room for investment, education, and discretionary spending.

Premier county for high earners

Morris County is ideal for households earning $130,000+, offering New Jersey's best school systems, highest incomes, and manageable affordability ratios despite premium housing costs. If you're relocating with strong earning power, Morris delivers the state's most exclusive suburban living at the best relative value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Morris County

via IncomeByCounty

Morris County earns 80% above U.S. median

Morris County's median household income of $134,929 is among the highest in the nation, exceeding the U.S. median of $74,755 by $60,174. This exceptional performance reflects an economy concentrated in finance, corporate headquarters, and professional services, attracting highly paid executives and specialists.

New Jersey's wealthiest county

At $134,929, Morris County ranks first among all 21 New Jersey counties, exceeding the state median of $100,891 by $34,038. The county's income leadership reflects its position as a premier business and residential destination for New Jersey's highest-earning households.

Morris dominates the regional income hierarchy

Morris County's $134,929 median income surpasses all nearby counties, narrowly edging Hunterdon County ($139,453) and significantly outpacing Passaic County ($87,137) and Mercer County ($96,333). This income dominance reflects Morris's concentration of corporate offices and affluent residential communities.

Lowest housing burden among wealthy counties

Morris residents spend 16.5% of household income on rent, well below the 20% affordability threshold and among the best ratios statewide. With a median home value of $557,000, the county's exceptional incomes support homeownership without financial strain, even in this expensive market.

Pursue aggressive wealth accumulation

Morris County's median household income of $134,929 provides unparalleled capacity for comprehensive wealth building across multiple investment vehicles and asset classes. Households should maximize all available retirement contributions, diversify into real estate and equities, and consider working with a financial advisor to structure intergenerational wealth transfer and tax-efficient investing strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Morris County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptionally Safe Living

Morris County is exceptionally safe, posting a safety score of 98.9 and a crime rate of 694.6 per 100,000. These figures are far superior to the national average crime rate of 2,385.5.

A New Jersey Leader

With a crime rate less than half the state average of 1,525.9, Morris is one of the safest counties in New Jersey. Its safety score is well above the state average of 97.6.

Neighboring Crime Trends

Morris is significantly safer than neighboring Passaic County (2,166.2) though it has a higher rate than Hunterdon (355.5). The county’s 42 agencies maintain a vigilant presence.

Physical Safety is High

Violent crime is extremely rare at 45.4 per 100,000, while property crime stands at 649.2. This means residents are very unlikely to encounter physical violence in their daily lives.

Investing in Your Security

To preserve this high level of safety, residents should invest in smart home technologies. Simple measures like alarm systems help keep Morris County one of the most secure places to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Morris County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Prestigious School Network

Morris County is home to 156 public schools across 42 districts, educating a total of 72,121 students. The county's infrastructure is strong at the primary level, featuring 91 elementary schools.

Leading the State in Graduation

With a 95.1% graduation rate, Morris County is a top academic performer in New Jersey and far exceeds the national average of 87.0%. The county invests $13,720 per pupil, placing it above the national average for educational funding.

Parsippany and Morris District Leaders

The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township School District is the county's largest, serving 7,008 students across 14 schools. Public options are nearly all traditional, as the county hosts only one charter school.

Cozy Suburban Classrooms

Education in Morris County is primarily suburban, with 142 schools located in these locales and an average school size of 471. Morristown High School serves as a central hub with 1,868 students, while many elementary schools remain small and community-oriented.

Top-Tier Schools for Homebuyers

Morris County’s elite 95% graduation rate makes it a magnet for families seeking academic excellence. When browsing homes, the reputation of districts like Parsippany-Troy Hills often serves as a significant factor in property value.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Morris County

via RiskByCounty

Morris County faces relatively moderate risk

Morris County scores 92.88 out of 100 for composite risk, earning a relatively moderate rating and sitting slightly above New Jersey's state average of 90.81. This positioning reflects meaningful but not exceptional hazard exposure for the county.

Moderately risky, better than most peers

Morris County ranks fifth in statewide disaster risk with a composite score of 92.88, placing it below the four most-at-risk counties but above some lower-risk areas. Its score is closest to the state average among major population centers.

Safer than most surrounding counties

Morris County (92.88) carries lower risk than Mercer (95.36), Passaic (95.83), and Middlesex (97.77) counties nearby, though it exceeds Hunterdon County (78.69) to the north. Its inland location provides some protection from coastal hazards.

Floods and tornadoes are primary concerns

Morris County faces flood risk at 96.31, reflecting river systems and localized flood-prone areas despite inland location. Tornado risk scores 79.87 and earthquake risk 88.84, while wildfire risk (29.99) remains relatively low compared to state averages.

Prioritize flood coverage and preparedness

Morris County homeowners should obtain flood insurance, as standard policies exclude flood damage and the county's flood risk (96.31) remains substantial. Review your tornado and earthquake coverage annually, and ensure your home emergency kit is stocked and accessible.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Morris County

via WaterByCounty

High Violation Count Impacts Morris

Morris receives a 'D' grade with 95 health violations over the last five years. Its violation rate of 23.6 per 100K exceeds the New Jersey state average of 20.0.

Total Impairment of Assessed Waters

All assessed water bodies in Morris County fail to meet federal standards, showing a 100% impairment rate. Legacy contaminants like DDT, PCBs, and Chlordane were identified in the 2022 reporting cycle.

Active Monitoring for PFAS Chemicals

Monitoring agencies use 216 sites to collect 32,381 measurements across the county. Top measured groups include physical parameters, PFAS, and biological counts.

Passaic River Flow Dropping Rapidly

The Passaic River at Pine Brook is discharging 206 cfs, representing only 32% of its long-term typical flow. This significant deficit can affect the dilution of pollutants in the watershed.

Targeted Filtration for Morris Residents

Given the high violation rate and PFAS monitoring, residents should utilize certified filtration to reduce chemical exposure. Awareness of local drought management is also essential due to low river flows.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Morris County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler conditions in the highlands

Morris County’s annual average of 51.8°F falls below the national median. It features a more temperate climate with shorter, less intense summer heat waves.

One of New Jersey’s cooler regions

The county is significantly cooler than the New Jersey average of 53.6°F. Its inland location and varied topography keep temperatures lower than the coastal counties.

High snowfall among its peers

With 28.9 inches of annual snow, Morris is much whiter in winter than Hunterdon, which sees only 21.5 inches. It also maintains a higher average precipitation of 50.6 inches.

Cold winters and mild summers

Morris records only 16 extreme heat days per year, among the lowest in the state. January is cold, averaging 29.1°F, which supports its higher snowfall totals.

Prioritize heating and snow removal

Residents should invest in high-efficiency heating systems for the sub-30-degree January nights. Snowblowers are a standard necessity for the nearly 29 inches of winter accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Morris County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and Rich Northern Soils

Morris County has a pH of 4.21, almost exactly mirroring the New Jersey state average. This is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, creating a specific niche for acid-loving flora. The chemistry reflects the county's diverse upland terrain and glacial history.

A Gritty, Versatile Mineral Mix

The soil contains 39.5% sand and 32.4% silt, providing a balanced texture for various uses. With only 11.5% clay, the soil remains porous and easy to manage without becoming overly compacted. This mix allows for excellent root penetration for both trees and smaller plants.

State-Leading Organic Matter levels

At 16.29% organic matter, Morris County exceeds both the state average and the national 2.0% benchmark. This richness is paired with a high available water capacity of 0.177 in/in. It is among the most fertile soil profiles in the state for water and nutrient storage.

Naturally Well-Drained Terrain

The soil is classified as 'Well drained,' making it ideal for residential landscaping and gardening alike. Water moves efficiently through the profile, preventing the pooling that can damage plant health. This reliable drainage is a key asset for the county’s many parks and wooded areas.

Cooler Seasons in Zone 6b

As a Zone 6b region, Morris County has slightly shorter growing seasons than its southern neighbors. However, the high organic matter and well-drained soil make it perfect for rhododendrons and woodland perennials. Your garden will thrive with the exceptional natural water-holding capacity found here.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Morris County

via LawnByCounty

Morris County's Steep Challenge

Lawn care is particularly difficult in Morris County, which has a score of 42.8, well below the national median of 50.0. As a zone 6b region, it faces harsher winters than much of the state. Residents here must be more proactive with soil health and drought management than their neighbors.

Cooler Temps, Heavy Rainfall

Morris is cooler than its neighbors, with only 16 extreme heat days and 3151 growing degree days. However, the 50.6 inches of annual precipitation can lead to saturated soil if not managed correctly. Mowing begins later here than on the coast, usually after the April 17th last frost.

Managing Acidic, Well-Drained Soil

The soil pH in Morris is a very acidic 4.21, necessitating significant amendments to reach the healthy 6.0-7.0 range. While the soil is well-drained, it only contains 11.5% clay and 39.5% sand. Proper aeration and heavy liming are the standard requirements for establishing a successful turf foundation here.

Surviving Severe Drought Peaks

Drought resilience is a major concern, as the county endured 40 weeks of drought last year with 77.3% of the area currently in severe drought. This is one of the highest stress levels in the state for lawn grass. To protect your investment, prioritize watering early in the day and consider letting the lawn go dormant during the worst of the dry months.

The Morris Planting Guide

In zone 6b, hardy cool-season grasses like fine fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are your best bets for winter survival. You should aim to have all seeding completed by late September to ensure roots are established before the October 23rd frost date. This shorter window makes timing more critical than in southern New Jersey.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Morris County's county score?
Morris County, New Jersey has a composite county score of 52 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Morris County rank among counties in New Jersey?
Morris County ranks #3 among all counties in New Jersey on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Morris County, New Jersey?
The median annual property tax in Morris County is $10,001, with an effective tax rate of 1.80%. This earns Morris County a tax score of 5.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Morris County?
The median household income in Morris County, New Jersey is $134,929 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Morris County earns an income score of 99.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Morris County, New Jersey a good place to live?
Morris County scores 52/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in New Jersey. The best way to evaluate Morris County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Morris County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.